LOT 91 1880 SINGER ROYAL CHALLENGE ORDINARY (42″ WHEEL)

1880 Singer Royal Challenge Ordinary

“The Youth’s Bicycle”

42″ Front wheel

Frame No 33151 / 42

The 42 inch Challenge “Youth’s Bicycle” was introduced in 1879 and priced at £9. Advertised as suitable for a rider with a 28 inch inseam, in 1880 its price was reduced to £7 10/- (compared with £16 10/- for the adult 54 inch model).

Singer & Co, and their primary competitors Coventry Machinists’ Co and Hillman, Herbert & Cooper (with whom Singer shared the patent for double hollow forks) were the world’s leading cycle manufacturers. Whereas full-size Singer Ordinaries sold in vast numbers worldwide, machines with smaller wheels such as this 42 inch model were not built in large numbers, and customers often had to order them specially. As a result, there are far fewer survivors fourteen decades later.

This example shows the company name on the handlebar, and retains its original paintwork, with the remains of its box lining on the fork. Its wheels were rebuilt with new spokes, and it’s also fitted with Singer’s unique patent pedals. It’s a fine unrestored original machine and ready to ride.